Multicultural fashion show benefits Murrow, Kids' Space

Cathy Spaulding, Muskogee Phoenix, Okla.
·2 min read

Mar. 21—Models representing a variety of cultures and sizes will show their styles this Saturday.

The Second Annual International Fashion Show, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Three Rivers Airbnb. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit Kids' Space and Murrow Indian Children's Home.

Organizer Sarah Megan Kelley said she hopes the show will help build confidence in young people.

"We want to show the ladies they are beautiful," Kelley said. "We will have models of all sizes, heights and cultures."

Featured celebrity model is Mekko Toretto, a Native American and Samoan actor who appeared on the TV show "Reservation Dogs."

The fashion show will feature performances by the McCafferty Academy of Irish Dance and Academy of Performing Arts in Tahlequah, Kelley said. Yazmin Puga will sing songs from Mexican folklore and Michael Lohman, of Choctaw ancestry, will play the flute and perform an eagle dance.

Kelley said the show will have 60 to 80 models, including Hispanic, Native and Black models.

Models will show modern Native American clothing by McKenzie Loffer of Redbird Renditions and indigenous fashions by Margrett Kelley. Other clothing will be by Okie Outfitters and Beautiful Blessings Boutique. Kelley said she will model an Iranian garment, representing the Middle Eastern part of her ancestry.

"I don't think there has ever been a celebration of different cultures like this," Kelley said.

There also will be models of different sizes and ages. Some models will be 11 or 12, some will be teens, she said.

"This is a good opportunity for young people to model," Kelley said.

Proceeds will be divided evenly between Kids' Space and Murrow, she said. There also will be a silent auction featuring Native crafts, Mary Kay cosmetics and other items.

"This is a way to help the kids have bright, positive futures," she said.

Kids' Space, Muskogee County Child Advocacy Center, seeks to help children facing sexual or physical abuse, drug endangerment or internet crimes. It works with first responders.

Murrow Indian Children's Home seeks to provide safe nurturing care to Native children.

The show also is a way to mark Women's History Month, Kelley said.